Human-induced climate change represents a global process affecting local communities. Coastal settlements, infrastructure and institutions are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as sea level rise and the increased intensity and frequency of storm events such as floods. This paper outlines a research project that will assess the adaptive capacity of coastal communities to climate change (e.g. to adapt to the effects of climate change on the coast, including sea level rise, shifts in maritime climate patterns, increased coastal erosion rates and increased probability of tropical cyclones, and consequent storm surges). Using a case study approach, the methodology will be used to assess adaptive capacity at different coastal sites of Australia, integrating coastal vulnerability assessments based on the physical forcing scenarios with the identification of socio-economical, environmental and institutional issues. At the same time, the research project will be compared with the findings of current European research projects and case studies dealing with climate change adaptive capacity. A project will contribute to different initiatives are currently being developed in Australia and more specifically in Queensland (the Queensland Smart State project Future Coastlines, and the SEQ Adaptation / CSIRO Cluster involving both Griffith University and the University of the Sunshine Coast).